The Leadership Corps (LC) program at Youth Enrichment Services (YES) is a program offering teens the opportunity to develop their leadership potential as they participate in and coach outdoor activities. Leadership Corps programs are offered year round: Leadership Corps: Operation SnowSports (October-March); Leadership Corps: Outdoor Adventure (April-June); Summer Leadership Corps (July-August).
Leadership Corps (School-Year)
The school-year Leadership Corps (October-March) supports YES’s Operation SnowSports programs. Teens develop their leadership and career readiness skills through participating in workshops and trainings and put those skills into practice through volunteering with YES’ ski & snowboard rental shop and supporting SnowSports trips.
LC Volunteer Opportunities:
- Rental Shop – ALL LCs volunteer in the rental shop on their chosen workshop/shop night once a week
- LCs will choose at least one of these 3 tracks:
- Downhill Ski or Snowboard Confidence Coach – teach others how to ski/ride (will choose at least 3 weekend trips to support during the January-March SnowSports season)
- Cross Country Ski Confidence Coach – teach others how to cross-country ski (will choose at least 3 weekday trips to support during the January-March SnowSports season)
- Impact Intern – document SnowSports trips through photos, videos, interviews, surveys, and help create content for YES social media pages (will choose at least 3 weekend trips to support during the January-March SnowSports season)
- Youth Advisory Council (YAC) – LCs can apply to be part of the YAC, which plans appreciation events throughout the year, makes recommendations on programming, and ensures that youth voices are incorporated in all aspects of YES operations.
Teens in the LC Program Receive:
- Job readiness and leadership development workshops
- Snow Sports training: downhill skiing, downhill snowboarding, or cross-country skiing (teens who are new to snow sports are welcome!!!)
- FREE seasonal ski/snowboard equipment rentals
- Juniors and Seniors are enrolled in the College Prep program: one-on-one advising, group meetings throughout the year, seniors eligible to apply for YES’ Richard Williams Memorial Scholarship
- One-on-one advising and goal setting with YES staff throughout the year
- LCs earn volunteer hours for working in the ski/snowboard rental shop and supporting SnowSports trips
- Invitations to fun events throughout the school-year!
Program Details
PLEASE NOTE: We cannot predict how COVID-19 and public health guidelines may continue to affect our programs this fall and winter season. More information about adjustments to the program and health precautions for any in-person activities will be shared at Orientation. Thank you for your understanding in advance as we all work to navigate these challenging times!
Eligibility: 13+ year olds, enrolled in 8th-12th grade
Priority Eligibility: Boston residents living in Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan, and Jamaica Plain with priority given to individuals from low-and-moderate income households. Priority is also given to previous YES program participants and returning LCs.
Mandatory Orientation: October 11th – 14th, 2021 (teen and parent/guardian must attend)
Program Dates: October 18th, 2021 – April 2nd, 2022
Workshop/Shop Nights: Teens choose one night a week (4pm-7pm) from October-March
- Mondays (4pm-7pm) – preferred night for *NEW LCs*/8th & 9th Graders
- Tuesdays (4pm-7pm) – preferred night for 9th & 10th Graders
- Wednesdays (4pm-7pm) – preferred night for 10th & 11th Graders & those interested in being Impact Interns
- Thursdays (4pm-7pm) – preferred night for 11th & 12th graders
SnowSports Trips:
- NEW LCs are required to attend a Training Weekend in the first couple weeks of January, 2022
- Downhill Trips occur on Saturdays or Sundays in January-March. Downhill Ski/Snowboard Confidence Coach & Impact Intern LCs will pick at least 3 of these weekend trips to support.
- Cross Country Ski trips occur during the week after-school (exact days/times TBD). Cross Country Ski Confidence Coach LCs will pick at least 3 of these weekday trips to support.
Application Deadline: October 6th, 2021
Applicants who submit an application after October 6th will be placed on a waitlist and notified about their acceptance into the program by YES staff if space is available/priority eligibility criteria are met.
*Leadership Corps is a free-of-cost program.
Contact YES Academy staff at [email protected] with any questions.
Would you like to refer a teen to our program? Submit a referral here.